Rep. Johnson announces $4.6M to help local homeless veterans

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04)announced four Atlanta-based groups will receive more than $4.6 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fight veterans’ homelessness.

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, Action Ministries Inc., Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc. and Decatur Cooperative Ministry Inc. will receive a share of funds to provide services to very low-income veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing in the Fourth District and throughout metro Atlanta.

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee since 2007, every day I’m inspired to work on behalf of our men and women – and their families – in uniform,” said Johnson, who sent letters of support to the VA for the grants. “I’m pleased to have voted on the VA health reform bill last month, and I’m committed to doing what I can to help our veterans get their lives back on track.”

The grants are part of more than a $300 million nationwide effort in homeless prevention that is going to 301 non-profit community agencies in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia that will help more than 115,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families.

The program, Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF), is part of President Obama’s pledge to “be relentless” in his pursuit of ending veterans’ homelessness within the decade.

“By working with community non-profit organizations, we have enlisted valuable partners in our fight to end homelessness,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald. “The work of SSVF grantees has already helped thousands of homeless veterans and their families find homes and thousands more have been able to stay in their own homes.”

Through the Eliminating Veteran Homelessness Initiative, VA committed over $1 billion in FY 2014 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans. VA provides a range of services to homeless Veterans, including health care, housing, job training, and education.

More information about the VA’s homeless programs is available at www.va.gov/homeless. Details about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program are online at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.